A DAY of racing, fashion, fun and community generosity delivered a winning result for the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group, with more than $1,600 raised at a Melbourne Cup Day fundraiser at the Bowra Sports Hub in Bowraville.
Despite hot and humid conditions and a little rain, guests enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort of the venue while embracing the festivities and supporting a worthy local cause.
The ticket price included a delicious two-course meal, described by many guests as a perfect meal, while a range of activities kept the celebrations rolling throughout the afternoon.
Fashions on the Field proved a crowd favourite, with both men and women dressing to impress and winners taking home some fantastic prizes.
There was plenty of laughter as guests tried their luck at dice horse racing aboard hobby horses, while the Guess the Winning Time competition added to the excitement of the big race.
Popular local musician Barry Noble kept the crowd entertained with top-notch music between activities, adding to the relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Generous donations of raffle prizes from local businesses and community members also contributed to the fundraising success.
“It was just wonderful that so many turned out to help us raise much needed funds while having a great time,” said Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group President Christina Brownhill.
“The generosity of those that came along, the local businesses that donated prizes and the efforts of the team at the Bowra Sports Hub was very humbling for us and showed us what a great community we have, and we are already talking about next year’s Melbourne Cup Day fundraiser.”
While the day was filled with fun and celebration, the funds raised will make a meaningful difference to local people facing the challenges of cancer.
Established in 1989, the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group has spent 37 years providing financial assistance, essential equipment and practical support to cancer patients and their carers throughout the Nambucca Valley.
The entirely volunteer-run organisation was founded by local residents who recognised the financial burden of travelling for cancer treatment and the cost of essential medical equipment.
Its guiding principle remains “Money raised in the Valley stays in the Valley”.
The group provides free loans of patient equipment, ranging from walking sticks to electric beds, helping patients remain comfortable in their own homes.
It also assists eligible patients with travel expenses for cancer treatment in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, along with pharmacy costs for end-of-life medications.
Over the past three years, the group has contributed approximately $120,000 through its association with the CanDo Cancer Trust, ensuring assistance reaches Nambucca Valley patients in need.
Volunteers also support staff at Macksville Hospital’s weekly Infusion Clinic, which allows local patients to receive some treatments closer to home.
The group’s membership includes cancer survivors, partners, families who have lost loved ones to cancer, and community members who simply want to make a difference.
The success of the Melbourne Cup fundraiser was another reminder of the generosity and community spirit that has sustained this dedicated organisation for nearly four decades.
The group extended its appreciation to the many businesses that donated prizes, including Macksville Post Office, Macksville Department Store, Macksville River Nail and Beauty, Macksville Newsagency, Wallace Street Pharmacy, Macksville Betta Electrical, Macksville Mitre 10, Nambucca River Co-op, Macksville Pharmacy, Taylors Arm Flower Farm, Bowraville IGA, Bowraville Pharmacy, Bowraville Post Office and FoodWorks.
Local residents Ian Walker, Christina Brownhill and Tony Baker also generously contributed prizes to support the event.
The Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group welcomes new volunteers and community support, with meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1pm in the Cancer Resource Room at Macksville Hospital.
For this year’s Melbourne Cup celebrations, the real winners were the local cancer patients and families who will benefit from the community’s generosity.
By Mick BIRTLES
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